The Athenian Ambassador to Sparta

The Athenian ambassador who spoke though did not offer a defense of any of the charges that were levied against them. He wanted to call attention to the great power of Athens and warn them about the dangers of confronting such a powerful state. The essence behind the speech was that the Peloponnesians Shouldn't imagine that if they would go to war against them It was going to be easy and quick. Some scholars have read this speech as being deliberately provocative intended to antagonize the Spartans into war while others see it more as a deterrents by conveying a strategic message of strength confidence and determination.